Housing association saying 'no' to therapy dog

zippy1969

ruggedtoast wrote: »

I didnt have time to read all that in detail I am afraid but some specific points are:

1) It is very long, you need to keep the points you are making short and clear or its just going to sit unread on someones desk

2) Dont start a letter with "Hi".

3) The beginning is not relevant. Whether he has asked for anything before and what his feelings are about the HA is not pertinent to the situation. Focus on how he guarantees the dog wont inconvenience the HA or the other tenants or cause damage. Highlight any support he will have with this.

4)Underline the medical importance of keeping the animal and include the GP's contact if appropriate.

Well, I did make some changes and emailed it to the Chief Executive of the housing association and their executive office and his MP.

Already had a call saying the chief executive read it herself and they are looking into it already.

No other information than that... but it's a start.

AJ1982

zippy1969 wrote: »

What do you feel is OTT, the request or the refusal?

I must just add that there is a huge grassed area right next to his flat, about three quarters the size of a football pitch. Many residents in the houses who own dogs use this area to exercise them. I've highlighted this in previous correspondence.

The refusal

tomtontom

We've got a French bulldog next to us - it barks. Not all of them will, but you're not going to know until he gets the dog. Is that fair on the neighbours? Who is going to deal with the complaints from the neighbours, how is your client going to cope if the neighbours start having a go at him?

Pets can be very therapeutic, but only in the right environment.

It seems that the authority have considered reasonable adjustments by suggesting a move. Whilst your client will find this unsettling in the short term, it may be worth doing if he really wants the dog. If he can't cope with a (supported) move, can he cope with a dog 24/7?

csgohan4

A dog's bark is worse than a Cat's Meow or a Rabbit's wincing of it's nose.

zippy1969

tomtontom wrote: »

We've got a French bulldog next to us - it barks. Not all of them will, but you're not going to know until he gets the dog. Is that fair on the neighbours? Who is going to deal with the complaints from the neighbours, how is your client going to cope if the neighbours start having a go at him?

Pets can be very therapeutic, but only in the right environment.

It seems that the authority have considered reasonable adjustments by suggesting a move. Whilst your client will find this unsettling in the short term, it may be worth doing if he really wants the dog. If he can't cope with a (supported) move, can he cope with a dog 24/7?

This is one of the stipulations he wants to put in place himself... that the dog is quiet and does not impact on neighbours. Whilst suffering mental health issues, he is a very responsible and considerate guy.

To be honest, as a support worker, I would never encourage anyone to have a dog if I thought they couldn't cope with it. In supporting his request I'm putting my own reputation on the line to a degree.

I understand your post though and the concerns the housing association have.

zippy1969

csgohan4 wrote: »

A dog's bark is worse than a Cat's Meow or a Rabbit's wincing of it's nose.

Or the cat poop outside and the smell of the rabbits in the communal hallways!

I see your point though.

teddysmum

Rescues are always in need of dog walkers. Helping there would give the man some social interaction (human and canine) as well as exercise and being able to help a good cause.

lincroft1710

Doozergirl wrote: »

From my experience, servants seem to pull their fingers out when they see that.

As an ex civil servant I noticed that MP's letters were replied to in exactly the same vein as to a member of the public - "your constituent ain't getting it for the following reasons". Of course we would dress it up a little bit, but it was still basically "on yer bike!"

Other than a courtesy thank you reply, we never heard from the MPs again.

Person_one

If cats and rabbits are allowed and already living in the building, would your client consider a cat or a rabbit? There are health benefits from both of these animals too, and they are less intensive in terms of care.

I think the letter is far too long winded and emotive I'm afraid. If you do want to ask them to reconsider, write something dispassionate and brief and outline your reasons in well-focused bullet points.

Mojisola

zippy1969 wrote: »

This is one of the stipulations he wants to put in place himself... that the dog is quiet and does not impact on neighbours.

In that case, he should be looking to rehome an older dog whose disposition is known.